Tampa Drug Crimes Attorney | Aggressive Defense for Drug Charges in Hillsborough County

Facing drug charges in Tampa or Hillsborough County? A drug arrest can turn your world upside down, threatening your freedom, career, and future. Florida has some of the toughest drug laws in the nation, and even a seemingly minor charge can lead to serious, life-altering penalties. You need immediate, expert legal help from a Tampa Drug Crimes Lawyer.

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., Tampa Drug Crimes Attorney Rocky Brancato, author of How to Choose a Major Crimes Attorney – or Any Criminal Defense Attorney for That Matter, provides aggressive, strategic defense for individuals accused of all types of drug offenses. With over 25 years of dedicated legal experience in Tampa and surrounding areas, Rocky Brancato understands how to meticulously build a defense, challenge the evidence, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and future.

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Why Experienced Legal Representation Matters for Tampa Drug Charges

The stakes in a Florida drug case are incredibly high. Potential penalties include mandatory minimum prison sentences, lengthy driver’s license suspensions, and significant barriers to housing, employment, and even immigration for non-citizens. Accepting a quick plea deal might seem easy, but it can have devastating, long-term consequences on your record and opportunities.

Rocky Brancato has a proven track record of successfully defending clients facing drug charges across the spectrum – from simple misdemeanor possession to complex federal trafficking and conspiracy cases. His background as a former leader in one of Florida’s largest criminal defense firms means you get access to top-tier legal strategy and seasoned courtroom advocacy right here in Tampa.

Common Drug Charges We Defend in Tampa

The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. represents individuals facing a wide range of state and federal drug charges in Tampa and Hillsborough County, including:

Possession (Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Meth, Heroin, MDMA, etc.)
Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver
Drug Trafficking (State & Federal)
Prescription Drug Offenses (Fraud, Doctor Shopping)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Cultivation & Manufacturing
Maintaining a Drug House or Vehicle
Juvenile Drug Offenses
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID)

Understanding Drug Trafficking Charges in Florida (It’s Not Always Selling)

In Florida, you don’t have to be caught selling drugs to face severe trafficking charges. Florida law defines trafficking primarily based on the weight of the controlled substance possessed. Simply having over a certain amount, even for personal use, can trigger mandatory minimum prison sentences and hefty fines.

Examples of Weights That Trigger Trafficking Charges:

28 grams of cocaine = trafficking
4 grams of fentanyl = trafficking

These charges carry strict mandatory minimum prison sentences, often starting at 3 years and potentially increasing to 25 years or more depending on the quantity involved. Fighting a trafficking charge requires an attorney who will relentlessly examine every detail of your case, including challenging the legality of the stop and search, the accuracy of the substance identification and weight measurements, and the reliability of laboratory testing.

For a more detailed analysis of Florida drug trafficking, including a handy sentencing chart, read our BLOG post What is Drug Trafficking in Florida.

Strategic Defenses Against Tampa Drug Charges

Every drug case has unique facts and circumstances. At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we conduct a thorough investigation into how the police handled your arrest, gathered evidence, and questioned you. Our goal is to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can lead to reduced charges or outright dismissal. Potential defense strategies we explore include:

Illegal Search and Seizure (Violations of 4th Amendment Rights)
Lack of Possession, Knowledge, or Control (You weren’t aware of the drugs or didn’t control them)
Mistaken Identity of the Substance
Entrapment or Coerced Confessions
Valid Prescription Defense (for prescription drug cases)

Our priority is always to achieve the best possible outcome, ideally resolving the case favorably before trial whenever possible.

Hemp, Delta-8, and Medical Marijuana: Navigating Legal Gray Areas in Florida

Florida’s legal landscape surrounding cannabis products is complex and often misunderstood by law enforcement. While legal hemp products (containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC) and Delta-8 THC are legal under state and federal law, and medical marijuana is legal for qualified patients, police officers frequently make arrests based on appearance and odor alone, without definitive lab testing.

This means you could be arrested for possessing:

Legal Hemp or CBD Products
Delta-8 THC Products
Medical Marijuana (even with a card, if procedural rules aren’t followed perfectly)

If you’ve been arrested for a substance you believe is legal, we aggressively challenge the probable cause for the arrest, demand proper laboratory analysis, and fight against charges based on mistaken identity or law enforcement error. Read our BLOG Post on Packaging and Transporting Medical Marijuana.

Field Drug Test Kits: Unreliable Evidence Leading to False Arrests

Police often use roadside or field drug test kits to make quick determinations about substances during traffic stops or searches. However, these kits are notoriously unreliable and prone to false positives. Common household items like sugar, baking soda, and even some soaps can incorrectly indicate the presence of illegal drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine.

If your arrest resulted from a field drug test:

We immediately challenge the validity of the field test result.
We demand prompt accredited laboratory testing of the substance.
We challenge the probable cause used for your arrest based on the faulty test.

A false drug arrest can severely damage your reputation and create lasting stress. We are dedicated to clearing your name and protecting your record by exposing the flaws in unreliable field testing.

Beyond Incarceration: Serious Collateral Consequences of a Drug Conviction

The impact of a drug conviction extends far beyond potential jail or prison time. A criminal record can create significant obstacles in many areas of your life. These “collateral consequences” can include:

Loss of Employment Opportunities
Difficulty Renting Housing
Suspension or Revocation of Your Driver’s License
Loss of Firearm Rights
Loss of Voting Rights (for felony convictions)
Immigration Consequences, Including Deportation (for non-citizens)

Part of our defense strategy focuses on achieving a case resolution that minimizes or entirely avoids these life-altering consequences, helping you protect your future opportunities.

Addressing Underlying Issues: Support and Resources for Addiction

We understand that drug charges are sometimes linked to struggles with addiction. Our approach to defense is not only about navigating the legal system but also about supporting our clients’ overall well-being and recovery.

If addiction is a factor in your case, we can help connect you with resources and advocate for alternative sentencing options focused on treatment and rehabilitation, such as:

Connecting with Reputable Rehab and Outpatient Treatment Programs
Exploring Eligibility for Drug Court Programs
Utilizing Pretrial Intervention (PTI) opportunities

Our commitment is to defend your legal rights while also helping you access the support needed for long-term health and a positive future.

Proven Results from a Tampa Drug Crimes Attorney

While every case is unique and results vary depending on the specific facts, The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. has a history of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing drug charges. Here are a few examples:

Fentanyl Trafficking Charges DISMISSED:

Client facing serious state trafficking charges. After challenging the vehicle search’s legality, charges were dropped within three weeks.

NOT GUILTY VERDICT – Trafficking in Cocaine 200-400 Grams:

Through aggressive cross-examination of a codefendant, the defense exposed compelling evidence that the codefendant was the actual trafficker, leading the jury to find our client Not Guilty.

Cocaine Possession Case DISMISSED:

Traffic stop led to possession charge. Filed motion to suppress based on an unlawful search; case was dismissed.

NOT GUILTY VERDICT Cocaine Sale Within 1000 Feet of a School:

The defense presented a mistaken identity defense, and the jury agreed, finding our client Not Guilty.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tampa Drug Arrests

Here are answers to common questions we receive regarding drug charges in Hillsborough County:

Is jail time mandatory for a simple drug possession charge in Florida?

Not always. Many first-time offenders may qualify for alternatives like Pretrial Intervention (PTI), Drug Court, or conditional dismissal programs. We work to help eligible clients pursue these options.

Can I be charged with drug trafficking even if I wasn’t selling drugs?

Yes, absolutely. Florida’s trafficking law is primarily based on the weight of the substance possessed, not proof of sale. Possessing amounts over statutory thresholds triggers trafficking charges.

Is Delta-8 THC legal in Florida?

Yes, Delta-8 THC derived from hemp is currently legal in Florida under state and federal law, provided it meets specific requirements. However, law enforcement sometimes mistakes it for illegal substances, leading to wrongful arrests. We defend clients in these situations.

Will I lose my driver’s license if convicted of a drug crime?

In many cases, yes. A drug conviction often results in a mandatory driver’s license suspension in Florida, typically for one year, even if the offense didn’t involve driving. Prompt legal action can sometimes help mitigate this.

Can I still be arrested for marijuana possession if I have a medical marijuana card?

Yes. You must strictly adhere to all medical marijuana laws, including having your patient ID, staying within possession limits, and ensuring the product is from a licensed dispensary. Violations or possessing cannabis from outside Florida can still lead to arrest.

Contact an Experienced Tampa Drug Crimes Attorney Today

If you are facing drug charges in Tampa, Hillsborough County, or the surrounding communities, your future is on the line. Do not delay in seeking qualified legal counsel. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin building your defense.

Call Tampa Drug Crimes Attorney Rocky Brancato at The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. today for a confidential consultation:

813-592-8981

Let our experience work for you to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

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Charges Dismissed, First Degree Murder

Rocky represented a grandmother on first degree murder and aggravated child abuse charges. The grandmother’s young granddaughter drowned in the bathtub and had had a lacerated liver, which the State originally asserted was caused by physical abuse by the grandmother. Rocky hired a forensic pathologist and together Rocky and the expert conducted a full review of all medical records of the child. Rocky also took depositions of the state’s medical experts. Rocky and his expert were able to show that the child died from drowning and that the lacerated liver was caused by the grandmother’s and the first responders’ attempts to revive the child with CPR. The prosecutor dismissed the murder and aggravated child abuse charges. The grandmother plead guilty to a reduced charge of child neglect and received probation, since the drowning occurred with the grandmother stepped away from the tub to prepare dinner.

Client exonerated in violent rape case

Rocky represented a military veteran in a “cold hit” sexual battery (rape) case that had occurred 8-years prior to his client’s arrest. Rocky hired a DNA expert and together Rocky and his expert conducted a full review of all DNA in the case. The expert also attended depositions of the state’s experts with Rocky. After the depositions and complete DNA review, Rocky was able to show that his client was excluded as a contributor to the DNA profile collected from the victim. The prosecutor dismissed all charges in this case. The client was exonerated of this very serious charge.

Medical investigation leads to dismissal of aggravated child abuse case

Rocky represented a father who was accused of aggravated child abuse on his young daughter, who suffered an injured pancreas. The Child Protective Team doctor testified that the injury could have only come from intentional, blunt force trauma. Rocky hired a forensic pathologist and conducted a complete review of all medical records. Rocky and the expert were able to show that the injury on the pancreas was due to a “choledochal cyst,” which the child had since birth. The prosecutor dismissed the charges completely.

Top-Rated Tampa Drug Crimes Attorney